Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Health Updates

In response to concerns expressed by the faithful regarding the potential spread of the coronavirus illness (COVID-19) into our communities, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston continues to monitor the health situation in the 10 counties within the Archdiocese.

With increased vigilance against the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), The Archdiocese continues to monitor developments and will communicate any new recommendations or updates as soon as possible about this dynamic and evolving situation.

April 29 Update

On April 29, following Governor Abbott's recent announcement concerning a phased reopening of the State of Texas, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has notified its parishes that they are permitted to begin "Phased Reopening" this weekend, May 2-3, with an emphasis on social distancing, masks, and sanitation. Each parish is empowered to choose if they wish to celebrate Mass, and how to comply with state guidelines. Elderly and vulnerable parishioners are encouraged to continue to livestream Mass for now. Read the full announcement here.

In a letter to the faithful of the Archdiocese, Cardinal DiNardo noted:

"On one hand, this closure of churches to the public has been necessary for the safeguarding of public health, and we must continue to be mindful of the advice of governmental authorities. At the same time, I have heard the continued pleas of so many of the faithful and priests for access to the spiritual strength and nourishment of the sacraments after enduring so many weeks of stay-at-home orders. Therefore, I believe the time has arrived to look forward to how this local church can cautiously resume some of its essential activities." Read Cardinal DiNardo's Letter to the Faithful here.

April 1 Update

On April 1, the Catholic Schools Office released an update that extends the closure of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese to May 4.

March 17 Update

On March 17, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo officially suspended Mass. In a letter to the faithful, Cardinal DiNardo said: "The public celebration of all weekday and Sunday Masses will be suspended in the Archdiocese," starting Wednesday, March 18. Churches are to remain open for individual and private prayer, observing normal hours, he said. Read the full message here.

March 13 Update

On March 13, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo issued a message to the faithful and clergy that, while the Archdiocese recommends that parishes maintain regular Mass schedules for all those who wish to participate, the obligation to attend Mass is dispensed until further notice.

Those who may be ill; suffer from chronic health conditions; have a compromised immune system; are over the age of 60; or are uncomfortable attending Sunday Mass due to concerns over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) are encouraged to remain at home and not attend Mass.Read the full message here.

ONLINE MASSES AND LITURGIESThough parishes in the Archdiocese are continuing regular Mass schedules, a number of Catholic churches will be streaming weekend Masses. To view Mass times and streaming websites, visit this dedicated webpage.

The Mamie George Community Center in Richmond will close temporarily beginning Tuesday, March 17. Current plans are to re-open on April 1. The center functions as the hub for Catholic Charities services in Fort Bend Co., including programming for seniors, families and individuals of all ages. For more, click here.

March 12 Update

On March 12, due to recent developments, the Archdiocese is implementing a set of measures about liturgical celebrations, other planned gatherings and events, religious education and sacramental preparation, Catholic schools and Texas Medical Center hospital visits. Read these updates here.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Click to Open - FAQs

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (abbreviated to COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, China. COVID-19 has now spread to a number of countries including the United States, where several states have reported cases. The list of these confirmed cases can be found here.

While most people are at low risk of contracting the virus, it can spread through close contact with someone who is already infected. Learn more about how coronavirus is spread on the CDC website.

Is there Mass?

No, the public celebration of all weekday and Sunday Masses will be suspended in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Churches are to remain open for individual and private prayer observing their normal hours, as discerned by the Pastors.Read the full message here.

Is X, Y or Z event still happening at my parish or school?

Many parish events have been canceled or postponed. Please contact your parish for details. For parish contact information, including websites and phone numbers, use the Parish Locator.

At schools, classes and all extracurricular activities have been canceled through April 10. Information about events and classes after April 10 will be released by the Catholic Schools Office.

I'm feeling nervous about all of this, what can I do?

The outbreak of COVID-19 may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

The Archdiocese stands in solidarity with those who are experiencing the consequences of COVID-19. The prayers and celebrations of Holy Mass are with the Universal Church. This time may be stressful for people. The Archdiocese recommends visiting the CDC for information on mental health and managing anxiety and stress.

Additionally, Studies have shown prayer and religious beliefs complement health and wellness. To this end, the Archdiocese continually offers Spiritual Resources and Prayers during this time. A document on the site, A Faith Response to the Coronavirus, includes several tools to handle our reactions and how we feel during this time.

"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7

All of the parishes in the Archdiocese gladly accept prayer requests. Many chapels and prayer spaces offer a place to submit prayer intentions, and a growing number of parishes accept prayer requests online, such as Prince of Peace, Mary Queen, Christ Our Light, St. Ambrose and St. Albert of Trapani, among many, many more. Contact your parish to learn how to share your prayer request. For parish contact information, including websites and phone numbers, use the Parish Locator.

Questions?

Not feeling well? Call your healthcare provider immediately. If you're unsure, call the Memorial Hermann Nurse Health Line at 713-338-7979 (or toll-free 855-577-7979) and they'll help you decide. Registered nurses are available 24/7. This free Health line is open to anyone living in Houston or surrounding counties, with or without insurance.

The Houston Health Department has a dedicated call center at 832-393-4220 to answer COVID-19 related questions or concerns, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Need assistance?

211 Texas/United Way HELPLINEThe 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE is a 24/7 multilingual helpline that provides information about community resources and connects people to basic needs assistance and other social services. You can also search the 211 database online at http://referral.unitedwayhouston.org/. 211 is not the number to call for emergencies or questions about COVID-19.

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) epidemiologists have notified St. Cecilia Catholic Church in West Houston that an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 attended mass at the church at 5:30pm Wednesday, Feb. 26th. Persons who sat approximately within 6 feet of the individual could have potentially been exposed to COVID-19. The individual sat in the very last row on the left side of the church as you face the altar.

As part of the investigation, HCPH recommends that those who sat in the last three rows on the left side (as you face the altar) at the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Wednesday, Feb. 26, contact Harris County Public Health at 713-439-6000 and contact their healthcare provider immediately (call before going) if they experience any symptoms. Also, any parishioners or church attendees experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 are not obligated to attend Mass in person and are encourage to stay home and contact their healthcare provider for additional guidance. As a reminder, the symptoms include: fever, cough and/or shortness of breath.

Since being notified, and with the support of Harris County Public Health, St. Cecilia has taken safety measures to clean and sanitize the area, including sanitizing pews and touchpoints throughout the church, draining and sanitizing baptismal fonts, and providing hand sanitizers at all entry points.